The International Festival of Arts & Ideas presented “The Stories We Carry” at the New Haven Museum, featuring a conversation with acclaimed author Sandra Cisneros. Despite being thousands of miles away in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, Cisneros connected with the audience through her humor and honesty.

Community and Belonging

Cisneros’s book, The House on Mango Street, was chosen as this year’s National Endowment for the Arts Big Read. The story follows Esperanza Cordero as she navigates her coming of age in a Chicago neighborhood, exploring themes of family, poverty, and identity.

Cisneros emphasized the importance of community and finding one’s voice. She shared her own experiences of feeling like an outsider in graduate school and finding solace in writing. Her message resonated with the audience, reminding them that they too can make a difference.

Writing as a Form of Strength

Cisneros views writing as a powerful tool for change and a means of healing. She encouraged the audience to write about their experiences and observations, saying, “Writing a button a day keeps the doctor away!”

Cisneros is currently working on a novel that explores themes of identity and community. She also shared her passion for poetry and her desire to use her words to make a positive impact.

Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.